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Raycom Sports recently announced the 2013 debut of the Emmy Award-nominated ACC Network syndicated series, ACC Basketball: Kings of the Court. Former Tar Heel legend Phil Ford will be featured on the first episode, which debuted this week.

Each half-hour show goes beyond the game to tell the unique story of a player or coach, and how they made a name for themselves in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The ACC Network's Cory Alexander, a former University of Virginia standout and 8-year NBA guard, is the host.

The first show, scheduled to debut this weekend, profiles one of the best players in the history of the ACC, North Carolina point guard Phil Ford. The catalyst for the four corners offense, Ford was named MVP of the ACC Tournament as a freshman, was a starter for the gold medal-winning 1976 U.S. Olympic team, and was National Player of the Year as a senior.

Then follow the journey of Maryland All-American John Lucas. After a legendary collegiate career, Lucas was the No. 1 overall pick of the Houston Rockets in the 1976 NBA Draft and went on to a 14-year NBA career. But substance abuse battles took their toll. After successfully undergoing drug rehabilitation, Lucas has found his second career counseling people battling substance abuse.

Episodes 2 and 3 will be released in February and March, respectively. For complete information on the ACC Basketball: Kings of the Court, including airdates and times, station affiliates and platforms, visit theACC.com/kings

Raycom is the current syndicated television rightsholder of ACC men's basketball and football telecasts through 2023. In a partnership with the ACC, Raycom operates the ACC Network, which distributes ACC content through live television broadcasting, original programming via digital technologies, historical archives, mobile applications, social media, ACC Championship events and the official ACC website.